AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22710, 24 October 1935, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE 'ln " Biography of a Bachelor Girl," which is now being shown at the St. James Theatre, beautiful Ann Harding forsakes the dramatic for the humorous, and proves that she is equally at home in lighter roles as she is in more serious parts. Robert Montgomery is also given a role which, for him, is somewhat unusual, but he also presents a study that is convincing and full of vitality. A major role is taken by Edward Everett Horton, who appears as Nolan, a candidate for the United States Senate, being boosted by his prospective father-in-law as a man of an entirely blameless life. When he discovers that the bachelor girl is about to publish her biography he is filled with conflicting feelings, for he has known the girl in earlier years, and his desire to avoid any scandal, irritation at the superior airs of his fiancee's father, and a revived feeling for the girl whom he knew in days gone by create a state ot mental confusion. The plot is concerned with an attempt by Richard Kurt (Robert Montgomery) to prevail on Marion Forsythe (Ann Harding) to publish her biography. During their association he falls in love with her, and this complicates the position. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans are, at the theatre, Jacobs's, M'Cracken and Walls's, and the D.I.C. "THE CASINO MURDER CASE." Murder mysteries are always expected to hold an audience spellbound, and what is said to be one of the finest to come (Jut* of Hollywood is to be the feature film at the St. James Theatre on Friday. The story is from the pen of S. b. Van Dine, perhaps the most widely-read ot American writers of thrillers, and has as its leading character Philo Vance, the learned and dilettante solver of crime problems, whose shrewd psychology is thrown even to greater relief by the blundering obtuseness of Sergeant Heath. Vance is not an easy character to portray, for in his creator's writings he is invested with an atmosphere that only words can create. The attempt made by Paul Lukas to give to Philo Vance his appropriate air is among the best attempts yet made. The seasoned readers of detective stories would be hard put to it to find the solution, for the plot has been laid by a very clever man who is planning to perpetrate the perfect crime. His efforts are directed against members of the Llewellyn family, and later against Philo Vance, whom the criminal fears because he knows too much. Lynn Llewellyn is poisoned at a casino owned by his uncle, hie wife is poisoned at home and dies. After the police have worked on the case, old Mrs Llewellyn writes a confession, stating that she committed both of the crimes, and then commits suicide. The police are satisfied, but Philo Vance is not. Vance apprehends the real murderer at the apparent risk of his life. The settings and the atmosphere of this plot, the solution which hinges on the use of a certain drug, are successfully designed to produce the real thriller. The supporting programme contains among many interesting features some sidelights on the game of Rugby football. REGENT THEATRE "The Scarlet Pimpernel," which has enjoyed a successful extended season at the Regent Theatre, will have its final Dunedin screenings to-day. Those who see the film need fear no disappointment; rather the contrary. The spirit of the book is there. Indeed, the atmosphere of revolutionary . France under Robespierre is rendered far more faithfully by scenes of the jeering crowds who jest and sneer as the tumbrils rattle along with their doomed burdens and Madame Guillotine does her fatal work, than mere words, however vivid, could have described it. Scenes from the English life of the Regency period form a background of pleasant relief to the horrors that were heing perpetrated ineFrance. In these scenes, Leslie Howard is mostly Sir Percy Blakeney the fop, which part he plays with a suavity and inanity that is calculated to deceive even the most astute observers. Merle Oberon's part, as Lady Blakeney, is a difficult one, yet she carries it through to perfection. The film was produced by Alexander Korda, who made such a phenomenal success of " The Private Life of Henry VIII" and " Catherine the Great," and it has already received unstinted acclamation from the public in England, Europe, and America. The supporting programme includes 'The Goddess of Spring," a Walt Disney Silly Symphony. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "THE SCOUNDREL." Hailed as the most sensational screen drama of the year, " The Scoundrel" will commence its Dunedita season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. The film was written, produced and directed by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, who seem destined to open up new fields in dramatic technique. They were fortunate in persuading probably the only man in the world today who could adequately interpret itMr Noel Coward. This amazing young man is the perpetual wonder of London's theatreland. He is composer, musician, playwright, actor, author—vital, modern, engaging. Now he adds to this formidable list the title of screen artist, and if his performance in " The Scoundrel" is a criterion, he is one to be reckoned with. The story is particularly unusual. Noel Coward appears as Anthony Mallare, a cynical philanderer, who finds his conquests of impressionable women a refreshing diversion from his work as a book publisher. Eventually, however, he meets a budding poetess, Cora Moore, played by Julie Haydon, to whom he is really attracted. Ultimately he tires of Cora and throws her aside, but an air crash followed by a report of his death shows him how little his friends would mourn him. From then on the tempo of the play is increased to a stirring climax which closes a great film. Mr Coward's performance places him high among the screen's greatest artists, and his uttei cynicism, subtle wit and sly jests are a demonstration of the work which has made him the outstanding dramatic and literary figure of his generation. The hitherto unknown actress Julie Haydon brings beauty and understanding to a singularly difficult role. An excellent supporting cast includes Martha Sleeper, Ernest Cossart, Everly Gregg, Stanley Ridges and Hope Williams. " The Scoundrel " is described as being definitely a picture for discriminating theatregoers, and one which should on no account be missed. The box plans are now open at the D.I.C. and the theatre. STATE THEATRE The bright musical romance " Roberta ' continues to attract large audiences to the State Theatre, where it heads the current programme. The comedy has a rare sparkle, the tracking is lavish, the music is delightful, and the dancing superb. The story tells of an American footballer who finds that he has inherited "Roberta," the most famous gown establishment in Paris. Three stars that shine a little more brightly than any of the others are Fred Astaire, " Ginger'' Rogers, and Irene Dunne. They are an admirable combination, with Fred Astaire and "Ginger" Rogers dazzling with their delightful dancing and Irene Dunne winning the admiration of her audience,with her glorious singing. "Touch of Your Hand " and " Lovely to Look At" are two numbers that are likely to be remembered for a long time. Crammed full of clever scenes, one of the best in the film is a Wurlizter organ number performed by Fred Astaire and his Wabash Indianians. Grouped about him are the members of his band with their cloved hands stretched toAvards him, the gloves being painted to represent the keys of the organ. Unquestionably, the most attractive feature to the feminine eye is the lavish frocking, the parade of the mannequins in their gorgeous gowns being one of the most spectacular scenes in the film. Altogether it is a film packed with enjoyment and high in entertainment value. The supporting programme is a varied and interesting one, and includes interesting news films, a travel picture in which the audience is shown the Sanr area, and a clever cartoon in colour. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. OCTAGON THEATRE

Foremost among the sopranos of stage and screen at the present day is Miss Grace Moore, who made so great a hit recently in the musical romance, " One Night of Love." Miss Moore had been seen in New Zealand (but not in Dun-

edfin) on two previous occasions in Metro-Goffdwyn-Mayer's " Life of Jenny Lind" ("A Lady's Morals") and "The New Mnvon," in both of which she achieved gnuat popularity. The public had been clamouring for more of the gifted soiierano's pictures, and for this reason it was decided to revive the "Jenny Lirull" film, which will be shown to-day for the last time at the Octagon Theatre. The story of the film deals with the life of the "Swedish Nightingale," Jenny Linijj whose voice has made history. A well-balance programme is completed by several shorter subjects. "THE HOUSE OF ROTHSCHILD." " r .Che House of Rothschild," probably the best of George Arliss's historical films, will be presented for a return season in Dunedin at the Octagon Theatre on Fsiday. The picture has been described as an historical document, recreating one of the most significant epochs in European history—from the late 1790's to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo. Centreing around the House of Rothschild, and tracing the sensational rise erf this famous European banking family from the obscurity of. the ghetto to international fame and power, the film contai,Be many sequences that have a definite mwdern parallel. Due to the wide scope .covered by " The House of Rothschild," the film has one of the largest and most impressive casts ever assembled for a single picture. Many previous films have perhaps included larger numbers of ■" extras " —great masses of people for mo'b scenes—but none comes readily to mind" that has included 75 principals, each of whom has a distinct character to create. George Arliss himself plays a dual role. He is seen first as Mayer Rothschild, the founder of the banking dynasty,-: and later, as Nathan Rothschild, ma9t illustrious of the five brothers and the, British representative of the family, -who became England's most powerful banker, and enabled its forces to conquer Napoleon. Among those in the excellent supporting cast are Bori6 Karloff, as Baron Ledrantz, Loretta Young, Itwbert Young, C. Aubrey Smith as the L>uke of Wellington, Alan Mowbray as Metternich, George Renavent as Talleyrand, Helen Westley, Gilbert Emery a 6 the Prime Minister, Arthur Byron as Baring the banker, Ivan Simpson, Holmes Herbert, Reginald Owen, Lumsden Hare, Charles Evans, and Florence Arllise. Mrs Arliss appears as Mrs Natbton Rothschild in accordance with an old Arliss custom. STRAND THEATRE To-day will afford the final opportunity of witnessing " She Loves a Uniform and " Stolen Harmony," which for the past week Jwiive proved a popular attraction at the 8 trand Theatre. The former picture is an hilarious comedy which deals with the adventures of a young heiress for whom a, uniform of any description has an irresistible attraction. Her father spends many good dollars in buying off swains whoito he considers ineligible, but his patience reaches breaking point when a handsome but bogus members of " the foreign air, force" wins the girl's affections, and Kb cuts her off with the proverbial shilling, and the suitor immediately finds tuisiness elsewhere. How the disinherited heiress attempts to reform his four gangster companions in whose charge he has left her, make a novel and refreshing coifo.edy. "Stolen Harmony" is an attractive- blend of melody, comedy, and drama, iia which the principal player is George Ritft. The box plans are at the theatre airad the D.I.C. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. "Front Patta Woman" and "It Happened in New York " comprise the doublefeature programme which will be presented at the Strand Theatre for a season commencing tcumorrow. " It Happened in New York " is a fast-moving romantic comedy. Brij|ht entertainment will be provided in "JKront Page Woman," with Bette Davis in her most exciting role. There are thriJlls and suspense all the way through, tout they are by no means the only factors which make this a brilliant entertain went throughout. To offset the dramai there is a strong vein of human romiamcej while the suspense of the story is relieved every now and then by some delightfully comedy situation. And in 'addition to this combina' tion of comedy, drama, action and romance, the story has one of the strongest murder-mystery plots ever seen for many a long day. This murder-mystery does rot, however, dominate the entire story, It is used mainly to accentuate the central theme of rivalry between a man and a girl who are critme reporters on opposition newspapers. They are in love with each other and OTe quite ready to admit it; but the man Afill not admit that a girl can make a goo;t! "newspaperman,"' and the girl's pride i;n her work and her profession is such tliut she will not consent to marry and sefjile down until she has p/oved, once ama for all, that she is just as good a reporter as he is. GRAND THEATRE All the romamje and gaiety of the gaucho's life is irrterpreted in an entertaining manner b.p the popular Warner Baxter in his latept vehicle, " Under the Pampas Moon," which opened its season at the Grand Theatre yesterday. Although it is far from beifeg a " Western" film, " Under the Pampite Moon," nevertheless, contains abundant action and excitement that blend attractively with the music, dancing and comedy with which it abounds. Departing from his usual characterisation as a daring, immaculate person who never fails to appeal to all whom he mecs&s, Baxter is seen as a figure often held up to ridicule and one bizarre in city (tlothes. But the star succeeds admirably rjs a gaucho, a member of that strange ratee, partly Spanish, partly Indian. The ttLory opens when Baxter, the " king " of • the pampas and beloved by all the senioritas, loses his heart to a beautiful French blonde, who arrives romantically by aeroplane in the heart of the rolling plainis. All the gaucho's past and present lovda are forgotten as he seeks to win the hteart of the French singer, and, when site leaves for Buenos Aires, and Baxter's horse is stolen by her manager, he follows in pursuit. His arrival in the city and his subsequent adventures when fortune comes his way provide much of the humour of the film. The dress of the gaUcho gives place to fashionable evening wear, and the romantic cowboy of the. pampas becomes a comic figure. He se<eks out his French singer, Yvonne, and, in spite of his handicap of a complete lauk of city manners, his wooing produces satisfactory results. At a race meeting he sctes his horse, and, despite the combined efforts of numerous policemen and officials, he nearly succeeds in leading it from the course. He stakes his all on his horse, htsi faith is justified, and he is rich. Comedy situations abound when he sends for his mother, and her lapses at the fashionable hotel and cafe ridicule her son. Butt Baxter, full of determination and attractively self assured, overcomes his difficulties. Summoning his band of lo;ral gauchos to the city he plans to take ibjs horse by force from the racecourse. From a cowboy in the pay of Yvonne's manager, he learns who really stole his hctrse, and wrongly connects Yvonne with tlte plot. Althougn she declares her love for him and denies all complicity with the Wieft of his horse, he pays no heed, and, iai an exciting yet highly-amusing raid, he and his gauchos regain the horse. With) an attractivelysudden ending, Baxter is seen taking his mother and his horse bad* to the eslancia by train—and with thenr goes the bcauti ful Yvonne. Apart from the efforts of Baxter and Miss Ketti G;iJlian as Yvonne, there is a variety of eti«ertainment incidental to the story. J[ very effective dance by a famous tciam, Veloz ana Yolanda, is the " Cobra Tango," which was excellently performed. N'o les« entertaining are the tangos danced! by Baxter and his mother, Soledad Jimmez, and the " Zamba," a dance by Rita; Cansino. Miss Gallian is heard in a charming French song, and a tenor also entctrtains. Variety is the keynote of the film, which is productive of excellent entei'tainment. Besides Baxter and Miss GiliUian. the cast includes John Miljan. Carrol Naish, and numerous other notable actors. The supporting programme is an outstanding one Buster Kenton, the popula f,, solemn-fared comedian, appears in an arousing comedy, and there is an entertainrng cartoon in addition to two interesting newsreels. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. EMPIRE THEATRE Tn "The Mystery of E.ffu-in Drood." which is being screened at the Empire Theatre, Claude Rains, Dcmcrlass Montgomery, Heather Angel, and" David Manners are seen in the principal roles. Their excellent interpretations of parts which call for skilful presentation £ive realism to a story which holds the unwavering attention of the audience. The chief

character is John Jasper, choirmaster at' an English village church, who is infatuated by Rosa Bud. As she is engaged to marry his nephew, Edwin Drood, of whom he is very fond, he finds himself in an unhappy position. Then another young man comes on the scene, and, as he also falls in love with Rosa, the position becomes even more complicated. Between the newcomer and Edwin Drood a violent quarrel develops, and subsequently Drood disappears. From this stage there are developments that lead to a first-class mystery, the unravelling of which provides absorbing entertainment. There is a bright supporting programme. , The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "OIL FOR THE LAMPS OF CHINA." "Oil for the Lamps of China," a Warner Brothers' production, which comes to the Empire Theatre to-morrow, is a film of unusual power and gripping interest. Based on Alice Tisdale Hobart's successful novel of the same name, the picture has been made on a spacious scale reminiscent of such famous silent films as "The Covered Wagon" and "The Ten Commandments." The story extolls the heroism of men who regard their work among primitive peoples with the highest motives. Pat O'Brien is seen as an agent for an oil company which is extending its business to the potentially huge market of China. An idealist, he sees > in the marketing of oil a civilising mission, and his splended loyalty to the firm he represents makes no sacrifice too great and no hardship too much. His triumph over difficulties, and the manner in which he is repaid by the oil interests he serves furnish thrilling action and strange adventure. O'Brien, hitherto seen in lighter roles, gives a notable portrayal in the part of the young American agent. He reveals himself as an actor of considerable ability with an excellent, sense of dramatic values. Playing opposite him is Josephine Hutchinson, who presents a finely-drawn picture of the mingled suffering and happiness provided for a wife by the rigorous conditions of life in the interior of China. Besides possessing nrcat pergonal charm, this actress has a speaking voice to which it is a treat to listen. Capable support is given by a large cast of players, including Lyle lalbot, Arthur Byron, Keye Luke, and Jean Muir. MAYFAIR THEATRE Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Cheavlier, who individually command the widest popularity and who in association have made possible some of the finest films of the light musical type, are again seen together in "The Merry Widow, which is the current attraction at the Mayfair Theatre. Produced with a keen appreciation of the spectacular, the him is brimful of wit and lilting music, and, with a o-orgeous background and elaborate dressing, it enables both of the leading players to achieve notable screen triumphs. The original Lehar musical score has been used in its entirety, and the haunting melodies are still as fresh and delightful as when they were written, but in the presentation of the screen play many deft touches which enhance the glamorous fascination of the operetta have been introduced by the producer. Ernst Lubitsch. The settings are on a lavish scale, and to the melodious music of Lehar, played by an orchestra of 100 pieces a ballet of hundreds of perfectly trained and beautiful girls appears in j series of magnificent dance ensembles. Maurice Chevalier is brilliantly successful as Dariilo, the philandering young officer, who wins the hearts of all the women in the mythical kingdom of Marshovia, and is sent on a special mission to captivate the wealthy widow, Sonia. when she departs for Paris. Two other comedy favourites. Una Merkel and Edward Everett Horton, are prominently cast ana ably support the principals. The supporting pictures are varied and interesting. The box plans arc at the D.I.C.